Trending Now - David Ellison Promises Cnn's Independence Amid Paramount's Acquisition

WHO:

David Ellison, CEO of Paramount

CNN, a cable news network

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the parent company of CNN

Bari Weiss, editor-in-chief of CBS News

President Donald Trump

CNBC, the news network where Ellison gave an interview

David Faber, CNBC anchor

Seth Stern, chief of advocacy at the Freedom of the Press Foundation

Anderson Cooper, prominent CBS News correspondent

WHAT:

Paramount is acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal valued at $111 billion.

Ellison pledged to maintain CNN’s editorial independence.

Ellison stated, "CNN is an incredible brand with an incredible team, and we absolutely believe in the independence that needs to be maintained."

Ellison plans to invest in the news business and transition CNN and CBS News to streaming.

CNN has a subscription streaming product called All Access, priced at $6.99/month.

Ellison mentioned that 70% of Americans identify as center-left or center-right.

Paramount's revised offer raised WBD's value to $31 per share, totaling a company valuation of $111 billion.

Paramount agreed to pay a $2.8 billion termination fee to Netflix.

WHERE:

The acquisition involves Warner Bros. Discovery, which includes CNN.

Ellison attended President Trump's State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026.

WHEN:

The interview with Ellison took place on Thursday, March 3, 2026.

The deal between Warner Bros. and Netflix was announced in December 2025.

The acquisition of The Free Press by Ellison occurred last fall for $150 million.

WHY:

Ellison aims to create a "next-generation" media company and catch up to Netflix in technology and content.

Concerns among CNN staff stem from Ellison's relationship with President Trump and the potential for a conservative shift in CNN's coverage.

HOW:

Ellison plans to transition CNN and CBS News to streaming to meet consumer preferences.

He emphasized the need for investments in advanced technology to improve Paramount's streaming services.

In a significant move, Paramount is acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal valued at $111 billion, with CEO David Ellison pledging to maintain CNN's editorial independence during an interview on CNBC last Thursday. Ellison emphasized the importance of investing in advanced technology and transitioning CNN and CBS News to streaming platforms, as he aims to create a "next-generation" media company that can compete with Netflix. While he reassured that CNN is an incredible brand, concerns remain among staff regarding his ties to President Trump and the potential impact on the network's coverage.